Book-stitching machine



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S. ELLIOTT. BOOK STITGHING MACHINE. No. 456,946. Patented Aug. 4, 1891.

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S. ELLIOTT. BOOK STITGHING MACHINE.

No. 456,946. Pa e-nted Aug. 4, 1891.

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U ITED STATES PATENT ()FFICE.

STERLING ELLIOTT, OF \VATERTOWN, MASSACHUSETTS.

IBOOK-STITCHING MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 456,946, dated August 4, 1891.

Application filed April 5. 1886. Serial No. 197,832. (No model.)

To aZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, STERLING ELLIOTT, of \Vatertown, county of Middlesex, State of Massachusetts, have invented an Improvement in Pamphlet-Stitching Machines, of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a specification, like letters and figures on the drawings representing like parts.

This invention relates to improvements upon Letters Patentof the United States No. 263,031, granted to me August 22, 1882, the mechanism being adapted to make the particular stitch described in United States Patent No. 237,966, dated February 22, 1881, to both of which reference may be had.

In my improved machine I have materially simplified the mechanical devices which cooperate in the formation of the knot, and have reducedtheir number and materially simplified their movements, thus greatly increasing the speed of operation as compared with the machines referred to, and with less expenditure of power.

In my improved machine the sheets to be stitched are laid upon a table and clamped thereon, while hooked needlestwo or moreare made to penetrate, one after the other, the said sheets. In the machine herein illustrated three hooked needles are employed, and in operation they are thrust through the sheets one after the other, as will be described, and are supplied, one after the other, with thread from a traveling thread-carrier, which, in addition to its movement in the direction of the length of the stitch, has a vibrating movement to correctly present its thread to be engaged by the hooks of the descending needles, and, as herein shown, the hooks of the said needles normally point in opposite directions, to thus lessen the number of vibrations of the thread-carrier d uring the com pletion of each stitch. Two of these needles,besides having a movement of reciprocation in a straight line, make also a partial rotation about their longitudinal axes to thus enable the loops held by them to be cast olt upon the shank of a reciprocating lacing-hook, which is passed through all the loops, the first loop having been previously spread and doubled 7 upon itself, and engages the last loop which was formed, a clamp forming a part of the through the said sheet a greater or less number of times, according to the number of needles.

The longitudinal movement of the threadcarrier in the direction of the stitch is made adjustable in accordance with the thickness of .the material being united, and a suflicient quantity of thread for the next stitch to be made is measured off by the thread-carrier as the stitch last made is tightened or completed; and before the said thread is cut off the said.

carrier takes thread first from the loops previously made, and then the remainder ofthe' length of thread required for the next stitch is taken from the thread-guide and tension device. The thread so measured off and cut will thereafter be delivered to the needles in succession, it being drawn through the threadcarrier, which preferably will be drawn backward more slowly than the thread, thus keeping the thread taut and enabling it to be drawn into loop form by the first and suc ceeding needles, each needle taking, one after the other, its proper proportion of said thread and drawing it through the sheets for the formation of loops of the proper size. Co-opcrating with the first needle are a loop-spindle cast-off, needle-guide, loop-turners, loopcontractor, loop-receiver, loop-retainer, and interlacing-hook, as will be described.

The special features wherein my invention consist will be hereinafter described, and pointed out in the claims at the end of this specification.

Figure 1 is a top view of a palnphlet stitching machine embodying my improvements, part of the rod D being broken away to show parts under it. Fig. 2 is a front side view thereof. Figs. 3, i, and 5 are diagrams representing different positionsof the needles in the formation of a stitch. Fig.0 is a lefthand end elevation of Fig. 1, partially broken out to show the tripping mechanism. Figs. 7 to 11 are diagrams representing different positions of the thread-carrier as it is vibrated to present the thread to the hooks of the needles. Fig. 12 is a detail representing in end view the thread-guide; .Fig. 13, a front view ofthe same. Fig. 14 is a vertical sectional detail taken at theleftof the first needle and showingit and its co-operatingdevicesforspreading and bending the first loop back upon itself to form a knot, the said parts being in what I shall term their first position, or in position ready to start to make a stitch. Fig. 15 is a detail showing the first needle partially elevated, some of its co-operating devices having been changed in position. Fig. 16 is a detail showing a top view of the combined guide and hook-closer for the second and third needles; Fig. 17, a section of Figs. 16 and 18 on the dotted line as 00. Fig. 18 is a detail in front View, the front of the table being broken away to show the interlacing-needle, the parts co-operating with it to form the first loop into a knot, the needles, the clamp, and parts of the thread-guide and thread-carrier, the parts being in the same position as in Fig. 14. Fig. 19 shows the part of Fig. 18 below the table, but in changed position, the position being substantially that of Fig. 15, part of the framework shown in Fig. 18 being broken out to show parts behind it instrumental in operating the lacing-needle; Fig. 20, a detail of what I shallcall the sixth position of the knottying mechanism and needles; Fig. 21, a section of Fig. 20 in the line 00 00; Fig. 22, the same partsin what I shall call their seventh position; Fig. 23, a section thereof in the line 410 00 Figs. 24 and 25, respectively, a detail and section thereof showing the same parts in their eighth position; Figs. 26 and 27, detail and section thereof of the parts in their ninth position; Fig. 28, detail in tenth position; Fig. 29, a section of Fig. 28, showing the parts below the dotted line 50 Fig. 30, detail .to show the knot-tying devices in their eleventh position. Figs. 31 to 34 are respectively a rear side view of the front end of the interlacing-hook, a section thereof, a top view, and

by it, which forms part of the tripping meching the cam and part of the devices for operating the third needle; Fig. 43, a detail of the cam and some of the devices which actuate the second needle and the presser-plate'; Fig. 44, a detail of the cam and some of the devices for actuating the first needle; Fig. 45, a detail showing the cam and some of its cooperating devices for operating the loop-turners; Fig. 46, a detail showing the cam and some of its co-operatin g devices to vibrate the thread-carrier. Fig. 47 shows developed the cam which operates the interlacing hook. Fig. 48 shows the same cam in side elevation, together with devices instrumental in operating the thread-cutter. Figs. 49 to '7 2, inclusive, are details representing different positions or various parts of the machine to fully explain the manipulation of the thread to form the stitch and tie the knot; andFig. 73 is an enlarged detail in top view of the thread-carrier.

The frame-work A, of suitable shape to sustain the working parts, has a stud A, on which is placed loosely a belt-pulley A and a friction-disk A having an attached sleeve provided at its inner end with a second disk A. The sleeve has fast upon it between these disks a pinion A which meshes with the gear A on the cam-shaft A the said pinion driving the said gear and cam-shaft when the disk A is forced in contact with the continuously-rotated pulley A and looking or preventing rotation of the said gear and camshaft when the disk A is pressed against the stationary friction-plate A The said sleeve is embraced by a loose collar 2, placed between the disk A and pinion A, and the collar is engaged by one endof an elbow-lever A pivoted at A This elbow-lever has pivoted to its under side an auxiliary lever B, (see Fig. 2,) connected by a link B with foottreadle B on a rod B The upper end of the lever A is provided with an elbow-shaped branch B pivoted thereon at B, the upper end of the said branch having a roller B while the lower end of the said branch is made as a handle and provided with a spring-actuated catch which engages a notch in the enlarged upper end of the lever A". The upper end of the branch B is placed near the notch in the holding device 0', fast to the frame-work, andwhen the said upper end is engaged with the said notch, as in the drawings, both plates A and A will be removed from contact with the pulley and brake and the machine will be free to be moved by hand.

To startthe machine, the operator willengage the handle part of the branch B will lift the same, turn the branch, disengage it from the holder 0, and the catch 0 (see Fig. (3) will be so moved as to engage the notch 3 in the enlarged upper end 200 of the lever A", (see Fig. 6,) thus placing and holding the roller B in the range of movement of the cam-ledge 4 of the gear A, and at the same time the spring (J connecting the branch and acting on the notched end of the elbow-shaped catch B will turn the lever A in the direction to move the sleeve and its attached disk A into engagement with the pulley A and at the same time remove the disk A from the brake A and as the machine starts the camledge 4 of thegear A acts against the roller 13 and holds the lever A in position to insure the rotation of the shaft A sufficiently far to complete a stitch. As soon as the ledge at acts upon the roller B the cam D in its movement causes its tappet 5 to act upon the lever 6 (see Fig. 40 and dotted lines, Figs. 2 and 6) and depress it so that the said lever strikes the upper end of the catch B turns and disengages the same from the pin B of the lever B, thus leaving the parts in condition to be automatically stopped when the roller B runs off the ledge .4.

To start the machine again, the operator will lift his foot to permit the spring b to turn the treadle in the direction to pull down the lever B and allow the spring I), connected with the catch B to turn the catch into position to engage the pin B as the lever B is again raised to start the machine for a second stitch.

The cam D (fully developed in Fig. 39) has a cam-groove 7, which receives a roller-stud of a lever D, having its fulcrum at 8 (see Fig. 1 andprovided with a curved slot to receive a block 10, with which is joined a link 12, pivote'd at 13 to the lever D which in turn is pivoted at 14 to the frame and connected by a sliding-pin joint 15(broken out in Fig. 1)

with a driving sleeve or hub 16, mounted on' an oscillating rod D and adapted to bear against the stock of the thread-carrier D the said stock being connected with the rod D by a spline, (seen in Fig. 6,) so as to slide thereon when acted upon by the hub 16, moved by the lever D The slotin the lever D has its center of curvature at 13 when the levers D and D are in their farthest position to the right, viewing Fig. 1, so that when the block 10 is adjusted in the said slot by the screw 116 to vary the throw of the lever D and the extent of reciprocation of thethreadcarrier, the latter will always come back to the same starting position, but may be turned forward for a greater or less distance, according to the amount of thread which it is desired to throw off for the next stitch, such variation in throw being, however, always beyond the third or last needle 71. used in making the stitch.

The thread-carrier D (best shown in Figs. 2, 6, and 18, and in top iew, Fig. 73, on a larger scale) is composed of a stationary book 17 and arm 18, pivoted thereon and acted upon at one end bya spring 19, (shown as a spiral spring) held in place by a screw 20, the end of the said spring opposite the end of the said arm 18 entering a hole in the stock D of the threadcarrier, the hook and spring-pressed arm 18 forming a pair of jaws which are normally held pressed together by the said spring 19, the said jaws receiving between. them and holding the thread under a certain amount 1 of pressure, while the needles act upon the thread to draw it awayfrom the carrier. The rod D is held loosely in bearings in the ends of the brackets or overhanging arms 22, fast on the frame-work, (see Figs. 1 and 2,) and has rigidly connected with it an elbow-lever D, the longer arm of which is jointed to the arm D of a rocking lever composed of the arms D D, the hubs of the said arms being attached by set-screws to a stud D placed loosely in the bearings D The said rocking lever at its rear end has a roller-stud, which enters a cam-groove in the side of the disk D and is vibrated thereby, thus turning the elbow-lever D and partially rotating the rod D to thereby vibrate the thread-carrier during its sliding movements on the rod, in order that the said thread-carrier as it passes the needles will press the thread i to the right or left against the shanks of the said needles,

they being at such times up through the sheets to be united, so that the hooks of the said needles, as the latter are drawn down, will engage the thread 15, held by the carrier, and draw thethread in loop form through the sheets, the direction in which the threadcarrier will be vibrated to press the thread 15 against the needles depending upon which side of the needle is provided with the hook. As herein shown, three needles being used, the hooks of the first and third needles to be operated are pointed in the same direction, but opposite that of the hook of the second needle when the said hooks are elevated, such arrangement of the hooks simplifying the movement of the thread-carrier.

The thread-guide E, herein shown as pro- 1 thread-guide is accomplished by the arm 23 of the elbow-lever D, which strikes the said thread-guide at the proper time. The return movement of the thread-guide E in opposition to the action of arm 23 is produced by a spring E on a rod or link E connected at one end with the stock of the thread-guide, (see Fig. 2,) the said rod being extended through the said spring and through a lug E and having a nut applied to it to prevent the lIO outward movement or vibration of the threadguide E farther than is desired.

The thread-guide E is provided with a tension device E of usual construction, shown as disks acted upon by an adjustable spring, the thread being passed between the said disks. The thread will preferably be taken from a ball or cop arranged in a case E and between the said case and the tension device the thread will be led through suitable guideeyes.

Cam H has a projection 28,which acts on a stud 29, (see detail, Figs. 43 and 43%) mounted on the-head of a slide-rod 31, guided in guides 32 of a guide-box 33, attached to the rigid cross-bar 34, the said projection 28 moving the slide -bar. outward, a spiral spring 35 moving it in the opposite direction to keep the roller against the projection. The roller 29 enters an oblique slot made in the ear H, of a yoke-shaped lever H having hubs which are placed in journals held in projections H of the frame 22 bya set-screw 36. The front portion of the yoke-shaped lever H has connected with it the presser-plate H which is provided with a slot 37 (see Figs. 1, 3S and as long as the stitch to be made, the said slot being enlarged atpoints where the needlesn n ntcalled the first, second, and third needles, are to rise through the said slot.

The paper of the pamphlet to be stitched will vary in thickness and in numbers of sheets, and the presser and its actuating mechanism must be such as to enable the presser to be raised always to a certain height and to stop at a variable point in its descent, according to the thickness of. the pamphlet. The spring 35 on the rod 31 provides for this variation, for the said spring forces the stud 29 backward in the oblong slot of the ear H and lifts the rear end of the presser-carryin g yoke H and thus depresses the presser H on the pamphlet. The thicker the pamphlet the less the movement of the roller 29 backward under the strain of the spring.

The presser-plate-a flat steel.platehas at its upper side athread-cutting device, herein shown as shears composed of a sliding bar H, (see Figs. 1, 38, and 67 to 72,) and a movable blade H pivoted thereon, the said blade being opened and closed by its contact, respectively,with the pins 38 and 39. The pins 38 and 39 are at a sufficient distance apart to permit the opened shears to be moved partially forward without being closed, thus enabling the end of the bar 11 to be slipped across the slot 37 in front of the thread-guide E while the thread-carrier is being moved away from the thread-guide, the said bar at such time serving as a rest (see Figs. 67 and 72) over which such portion of the thread i, drawn down by the first needle or and not needed in the knot, maybe drawn and taken up by the carrier, the end of the bar ll also preventing the thread t, as the stitch is tightened, from being drawn so as to tear or out into the paper. At its under side the presser plate is provided with a slide-bar. 1-1 actuated by lever H connected by a pin and slot with the slide-bar H The bar H has two pinsv 4O 41, between which the end of the lever I-l rests, so that the bar H will not be drawn inward during the first part of the outward movement of the bar 11 which thus enables the bar H to remain out and stand across slot 37 while the thread 6 is being drawn by the interlacinghook N to take up the loop made by the second needle, and while the thread drawn down by the third needle is being drawn by the interlacing-hook into and through the loop made by the second needle the bar H prevents the thread drawn down by the third needle from cutting into the pamphlet. In Fig. 66' the bar H is shown by heavy black line as in such position, the thread being drawn about it. The bar H is connected by link H (see Figs. 1 and 48) with an arm 42 of a rock-shaft 43, having a second arm 44, which is acted upon by a tappet 46 when it is desired to move the bar H forward, and thereafter by a wing-cam 45 to draw the said bar backward, the said cams being attached to the cam K and acting upon a roller-stud of the arm 44.

The pamphlet p to be stitched is laid upon a table M, preferably made V-shaped, as shown best in Fig. 6, to thus enable creased sheets of the pamphlet to be correctly centered and stitched on the said crease. The under side of the presser-plate H will have attached to it a correspondingly-shaped foot 43, (shown only in Fig. 6 to avoid confusion;) butin case a folded pamphlet is to be stitched through and through or from. outer side to outer side, or several superimposed signatures are to be united for magazine-work, the foot 43 will be removed and the portion 44 of the table M will be elevated, as shown only in dotted lines, Fig. 6, there being a suitable joint for such purpose between the two parts of the said'table. The cam I (see Figs. 1,2, and 44) by its groove causes the vibration of the lower 1, which is connected by a link with the lower end of the needle-bar 1 which carries the first needle 72, the said needle-bar being guided in holes in a cross-bar 1 the same bar serving to guide all the needle-bars. The cams H and G, as to the shape of the grooves in theirsides, are substantially alike, (see Figs. 42 and 43,) and they operate, respectively, the levers P and'G', each connected by a swivel and link with the lower ends of the two needlebars,

P and G provided, respectively, with the two.

hooked needles of and n, the said needle-bars provided with pins, being extended, respectively, through sleeves P and G provided each with a groove suitably shaped to receive the said pins and cause the needle-bars to turn one-fourth around as they are reciprocated, in order to present the hooks of the needles, when above the table, in proper position to take the thread 15 from the thread-carrier and when below the table to present the loops drawn down by them in proper position to be entered by the interlacing-hook N. The

cam-groove of cam H is so shaped at 47 (see.

43) as to cause the second needle n to be lifted a little. after it has been drawn down with its loop a, the said needle atsuch time engaging at its upper end apinion J fast to' a short shaft J supported in bearings at the upper end of a vibrating frame J (see Figs. 18 to 24,) it also having its fulcrum at J (See Figs. 2 and 14.) The sector-lever J 3 is loose on the fulcrum J and theframe J at its side next the lever J (broken off in Fig. 1.4 has a stud on which is placed a spring 49, Rshown in dotted lines, Fig. 14, and in full lines, Figs. 2 and 24,) which at its upper end bears against the front side of a lug 50, attached to the lever J The normal position of the lever J" is with the lug 50. against the adjustable stop 51, connected with frame J As the lever J 3 is moved in the direction of the arrow shown in Fig. 25, it, by the action of the ing on the spring 49, carries the frame J forward in unison with it until the frame J strikes the adjustable stop 52, attached to some rigid part of the framework, when the further movement of the frame J 7 is arrested; but the lever J continues to move, and in so doing its sector-teeth, in engagement with the pinion J rotate the shaft J{' and with it the loop-turners a a, attached by suitable screws tohubsa,whicharesplinedontheshaftJ,soas to rotate with and slide thereon, the said hubs m being slotted at a to receive suit-able studs a (see Fig. 29,) secured to the top of the frame J the said studs so entering the said grooves causing the hubs a and their attached loopturners to slide longitudinally with relation to the shaft J as it is rotated as described, the said loop-turners being moved away from each other by the rotation of shaft J after the outward movementof frame J 7 is arrested, and being moved toward each other during the first part of the backward movement of the sector-lever J it acting to rotate the shaft J until the lug 5O strikes the stop 51, after which the lever J and frame J move backward in unison, the hook of the first needle 72 having been supplied with thread by the bar 24 of the thread-guide E, which is then vibrated for such purpose and drawn down to form the first loop n, (see Fig. 53,) and between the horns of the loop-receiver 53, to be described, and the needle stops with the loop directly in front of the rigid combined loop spreader and cast-off 54, (see Figs. 14 and 55,) attached to the frame J and in this condition the frame J 7 is moved forward until the loopspreader 54 enters the said loop, and. as the frame J is so moved forward the loop-contractor 55, made as a forked arm. (see Figs. 29 and 54,) hinged to a plate 56,'attached to the frame J and normallyheld down against shaftJ by a spring 57, straddles the loop atsome distance above the needle n, (see Figs. 55 and 56,) and the points of the loop-turners ct also enter the said-loop. In this condition the needle 12 remains stationary, while the second needle it, having been suppliedwith thread by the thread-carrier, is drawn to its lowest position to form loop 01*, at which time the first needle n is sufficiently elevated by the actuating-cam I so as to enter the hole 59 (see Fig. 55) in thecombined spreader and cast-off 54,asin Fig. 55, thus casting off the loop n',which latter is retained on the said spreader by the spring 58, attached to the frame or other rigid portion. (Seen in Fig. 14.)

The loop-receiver 53 (see Figs. 14 and 21 to 25) is joined to an arm 60 of a rock-shaft 61 and is acted upon by a spring 62. This rock-shaft 61 has an arm (see Fig. 41) which is connected by link 64 with the lever F, acted upon by the cam F. Before the sector-leverJ commences to rotate the shaft J the loop-receiver 53 is depressed, as shown in Figs. 57, 58, and 60, to place its forward end sufficiently low to receive upon it the loop a when it is elevated or turned up by the loopturnersa a, the said loop-turners commencing to turn up through the loop 7?. after the said loop has been cast off the needle n and as the said lever J commences to move forward independently of the frame.

Fig. 14 shows the parts in the position which they will occupy when the presser is raised ready for the insertion below it of a pamphlet to be stitched; and Fig. 15 is a diagram to show the relative positions of the loop-receiver, the shaft J, loop-turners, and needle n just as the said needle is in position to penetrate the pamphlet. The needle 01. ascends to its highest point, as shownin Fig. 51, when it takes the thread from the arm 24 of the thread-guide E, the latter being swung laterally, as described, by the arm 23 to press the thread against the said needle, as in Fig. 52. The arm 60 (see Fig. 15) is held up, as therein shown, by its operating devices, previously described, until the needle n has drawn the loop n to its full length, asin Fig. 53, and the said loop is then entered by the loop-spreader 54, as described, and the needle n rises to cast off its loop. After the loop has been cast off the needle is drawn fully down, as shown in Fig. 14, wherein the needle is shown as in the fork of the centering device 65, to he described. As the needle '11 descends into its lowest position, or immediately after the loop has beeneastoff, theloopreceiver is lowered to and made to pass between thepoints of the loop-detainer 66, secured to the rigid. arm 67, attached to the frame-work, (see Fig. 14,). the said loop-receive'r meeting and passing down between the 7 arms of the said detainer, as shown, respectively, in Figs. to 25, inclusive.

Referring to Figs. 57 and 58, the loop-receiver is in its lowest position and the needle 11. has cast, off its loop 71' on the loop-spreader 54, where it is retained by the spring 58, and in such position the loop-turners a have been moved from their horizontal position, Figs. 14, 15, and 56, into vertical position, and have been separated sufliciently (see Fig. 57) to enable the said loop-turners in their further upward rotation to pass outside the prongs of the loop-receiver 53, the loop-contractor 55, located below the loop-receiver, then standing with the base of its notch, in which the loop rests, at such a distance out toward the front of the machine beyond the center of rotation of the shaft J and the shoulders 69 of the loop-receiver 53 as to enable theloop-turn ers in their further upward rotation (see Figs. 61 and 63) to form a space in the doubled loop from front to back, so that it may be readily entered, as in Fig. 65, by the interlacing-hook N. Immediately afterthe change of position of the loop-turner from the position Fig. 61 to that of Fig. 63 the loop-receiver 53 is raised, as in Fig. 63, to enlarge the loop, in which position it will be held until it is entered by the said interlacing-hook and until the said hook has been drawn back through it, as will be described, together with the free end of the thread. The needle 02 it will be remembered, was drawn down to form its loop before the needle '27. was raised to cast off its loop 91'. The needle 11 draws down its loop 11. before the needle n casts off its loop or The loops being formed for the reception of the interlacing hook, the latter is moved forward through the loop n, then doubled and turned over upon itself, as in Figs. 63 to 66, and into the loop a turned partially around, as before described, and as the interlacing-hook approaches the said loop the needle n rises slightly to open the loop, and thereafter the point of the said needle rises into the groove 48 of the hook N to cast off the loop a as shown in Fig. 64, and the said hook in its further forward movement enters the loop n previously opened by a slight rise of the needle n During the forward movement of the hook into the two loops n n the loop a is retained in the hook of the needle n by a guide on a plate 71,1nounted upon a rod 72, until the body of the interlacing-hook has entered the said loop and the loop is to be cast off from the needle 91 The needle n has cooperating with it a guide 73, also attached to the said plate 71, (see Figs. 16, 17, and 64,) the guide 73, besides guiding the needle, also acting to prevent the loop a from being cast ofi from the needle w.

The interlacing-hook N consists of a cylindrical rod having a longitudinal groove (see Fig. 34") at its upper side for nearly its whole length, or to its point 0, the said rod being cut away at one side near its point (see Figs. 26, 33,

and 34) to form a beak c, leaving, however, a vertical Wall 0 Fig. 33,- between which and the end of a sliding clamp c the thread drawn into the opening of the said hook by the needie 11 may be clamped with a determined yet adjustable amount of friction. The sliding clamp c has an enlarged head, one side of which (see Fig. 66, which is a section of Fig. 66 in the line as) is made to fit against the inner wall of the grooved rod composing the body of the interlacing-hook N, the upper and outer portions of the said head being rounded to correspond substantially with the outline of the hook, the said head having a tongue 0 which enters a corresponding groove made in the front side of the rod forming the body of the interlacing-hook, as shown in Fig. 30, and thus forming a bridge to prevent the loop "a on the shank of the interlacing-hook from being caught by the beak c as the interlacing-hook is drawn backward through the loop a the said interlacing-hook then holding clamped to it the thread which was drawn down by. the needle n and delivered to the interlacing-hook, the latter in its backward movement drawing the thread through the hook of the needle 72 and about the rest ll". (See Figs. 38, (56, and 67.)

The rear end of the body of the interlacinghook is connected with the carriage d, mounted on a way d, connected rigidly with the framework. The carriage d has a screw-stud d which is embraced by a forked lever 01*, pivoted at d on a rigid part of the frame-work, (see Fig. 48,) the said lever having a rollerstud which is entered into the groove ofthe cam K, (shown in Fig. 47,) the carriage being thus reciprocated at the proper time. The sliding clamp c is connected to a cross-head e by a pin .9, (see Figs. 19 and 33,) and the said cross-head is mounted on a rod 6 attached at its rear end to the frame-work by a screw 6 The front end of rod c is extended through ahole 6 (see Fig. 37) in the carriage d, the latter thus acting as a support for the front end of the said rod, and between the said cross-head and the frame-work the said rod is provided with a spiral spring a, which by its action on the cross-head keeps the front end of the clamp a normally pressed forward toward the wall 0 so as to clamp the thread, as shown in Fig. 66, and press the cross-head toward the carriage (Z. sion-spring e is adj ustably held by a thumbnut 74. See Fig. 19.) The cross-head e at its rear side is provided with a projecting pin or stud 75, (see Fig. 33,) which, as the interlacing-hook enters the third. loop of, strikes against an adjustable stop 6, secured to the under side of the table, (see Figs. 19 and 36,) thus stopping the clamp while the interlacinghook completes its forward movement, which thus unbridges the opening out through one wall of the body of the interlacing-hook, as

described, and permits the thread-of the'loop n to be caught by the beak and be clamped as soon as the interlacing-hook commences to The ten- ISIIO and they are drawn out from the said loop,

leaving it upon the loop-receiver 53 and loopcontractor 55, as shown in the said figure. The right-hand prong of the loop-contractor is turned up the highest, (see Figs. 68 and 69,) so that as the thread-carrier 17, as it starts forward, (it having been moved backward into the position shown in Fig. 67, While the interlacing hook was being ret"acted,) will first draw off that prong, as shown in Fig. 69, to thus prevent slack in the thread between the first and second loops. The further forward moveinentof the carrier 17 then draws theloop n completely from the thread-contractor and leaves it upon the loopreceiver 53, as shown in Fig. 70, and during a yet further movement of the said carrier the lever 60 is depressed, drawing down the back end of the loop-receiver, as in Fig. 14;

' but the strain of the loop on the front end of the thread-receiver keeps it up so that the said loop is drawn upward 0% the points of the loop-receiver, as seen in Fig. 71'. While the arm 60 is being depressed the interlacing-hook is moved forward slightly, (see Fig. 71,) thusgiving up a little slack in the thread yet held by it to be drawn by the rising loop up into and so as to form a square knot, substantially such as shown in United States Patent No.237,966, and ayet further forward movement of the interlacing-hook effects the opening of the clamp, as in Fig. 72,by means to be hereinafter described, releasing the end of the thread, leaving the pamphlet stitched and ready to be removed from the table. About as the end of the thread is released from the interlacing-hook the thread-carrier has arrived at its farthest outward position, (see Fig. 71,) and the thread which during the outward movement of the carrier was drawn over the end of the bar H strikes the pin 39, closing the blade (see Fig. 38) to cut the thread, the thread-carrier having been moved into such position as to draw from the threadguide a sufficient length of thread for the next stitch.

As before described, the cross'head e, to which the clamp 0 is attached, has a pin 75, which near the forward movement of the interlacing-hook strikes the stop (2 to arrest the movement of the clamp 0 thus opening the said hook for the reception of the loop n, as previously described; and at such time the end of lever d strikes the dog 78 on the looselyheld reciprocating rod 7 6, having its ends placed in openings in the flanges of and below the table M, (see Fig. 36,) and moves the said.

rod in the direction of the arrow thereon, and it by the screw 79, connected with the plate 80, pivoted at 81, throws the spring-catch 82, pivoted thereon at 83, into the position shown in said Fig. 36, the said catch at the forward movement of the cross-head having been out of range of the pin 75. As the cross-head e is moved backward to'place the in terlacing-hook in the position shown in Figs. 68 to 70 the pin passes under and lifts the catch 82, but does not move the plate 80, and during the forward movements of the carriage e,.as described, to place the interlacing-hook in the position Fig. 71 the said plate is not moved; but at thatpartial forward movement of the interlacing-hook to place it in the position Fig. 72 the pin 75 is engaged by the catch 82, which retains the carriage e and clamp and causes the opening of the in terlacing-hook to release the thread, and thereafter the lever d is given its final backward movement,hirting the dog 77 and turning the plate 80 to place the catch 82 in its dotted-line position, Fig.

36, thus placing it out of the range of the pin 75 as the lever is started forward for its full range of movement.

Figs. 55 to 71 show the different positions occupied by the thread in the formation of the knot.

In my patent, No. 203,031,I show loop-turners having their journals in spring-arms, which were objectionable because of the un certainty of their movements, and the said turners, operated by mechanism such as shown in the said patent, could not be employed under a /\-shaped table, and therein the greatest Width of the opening between the adjacent faces of the said turners was at their heels, whereas for the best results the said tnrners should be equidistant from heel to point. In the said patent I described a loop-receiver; but it was without a joint, so that it could not work with a'A-shaped table, and its prongs were straight and of equal length rather than curved and of unequal length, and to turn the loop over for the formation of a square knot the so-called tension-needle had to be brought into operation to feed the free end of the thread forward. show or describe a loop contractor or retainer, which are essential to insure rapid work. The interlacinghook of the peculiar construction herein shown enables the free end of the thread to be left materially shorter beyond tl1e.k11ot,thus enabling me to do away with an under cutter.

I have herein shown three hooked needles, but desire it to be understood that needle 91 may be dispensed with, if desired; or additional needles like it may be added.

I do not desire to limit my invention to the exact devices employed to operate the needles or the mechanism which co-operates in the formation of the knot.

from spreading too far apart.

ITO

The said patent did not i The prongs are placed on the loop-turners to prevent the loop All the levers F, G, P, I, and J have their fulcra in common on the rod 95. These levers are shown in dotted lines, Figs. 41 to 45, inclusive.

I claim 1. In a pamphletstitching machine, a series of hooked needles, and means, substantially as described, to operate them singly and in succession, and a vibrating thread-carrier to present thread to the hooks of the said needles on opposite sides thereof, and mechanism to reciprocate the thread-carrier a variable distance, according to the length of stitch, combined with a table to support the pamphlet, the said table being provided with a slot equal in length to the distance between the extreme needles, substantially as described.

2. In a pamphlet-stitching machine, a l\- shaped table having one of its sides pivoted, means for locking said slide at different inclinations, and a slot in said table at the pivotal line, combined with a slotted presser hav ing a detachable foot corresponding in shape to that of the table, substantially as described.

3. In a pamphlet-stitching machine, a A- shaped table, one part or side of which is pivoted or hinged to be lifted into horizontal position, and means for locking it in either position, combined with a presser to act upon a pamphlet placed on the said table, substantially as described.

4. The reciprocating thread-carrier, the series of hooked needles, and means, substantially as described, to operate the same, and means to vibrate the thread-carrier to present the thread on opposite sides of successive needles, and the slotted table, combined with the slotted presser, the bar l lhadapted to slide in the under side thereof, and means to move it across the slot over which the loop drawn down by the-end needle 01. is drawn when tightening the stitch, substantially as described.

5. The tln'ead-carrier, the series of hooked needles, means, substantially as described, to operate them, and the slotted table, combined with the slotted presser provided with the movable rest ll and slide bar H each adapted to be moved across the slot in the presser to support the thread and prevent it from cutting into the paper, as set forth.

6. In a pamphlet-stitching machine, the slotted presser and actuating-pins thereon to open and close a pivoted blade, combined with the slide-bar H the blade H pivoted at its outer end, oneend of said blade being extended between said pins, and with mechanism to move the slide-bar and pivoted blade across the slot, the pivoted blade at such time being closed by the action of one of said pins, substantially as described.

7. The table, the presser, its pivoted carrying-yoke having the slotted ear H and the slide-rod provided with the projection 29, and the spring to move the slide-rod, combined with the cam to operate the slide-rod to lift the presser, substantially as described.

8. The rod D, the carriage of the threadesaeee carrier, the hub 16, and lever D connected therewith, combined with the slotted lever D, the adjustable block 10 in the slot thereof, and the link to connect it with the lever D and pivoted thereto, the pivot forming the center of curvature of the slot in the lever D, whereby the lever D and carriage of the thread-carrier may always be moved back to the same starting-point and forward for a greater or less distance, according to the length of stitch, substantially as described.

9. The sliding carriage D combined with the thread-carrier having the rigid hook 17 and arm 18 pivoted thereon, and spring to operate upon one end of the arm 18 to clamp the thread, substantially as described.

10. The series of hooked needles, the slotted table, the rod D the carriage for the thread-carrier splined thereon to slide freely longitudinally, but to rotate with said rod, the thread-carrier, and means, substantially as described, to reciprocate the said carriage on the rod to present the thread to the successive needles, a rocking lever connected-at one end to the rod, and a cam to rock said lever to vibrate the rod and therewith the thread-carrier to present the thread on opposite sides of the adjacent needles, substantially as described.

11. The series of hooked needles, the slotloosely on the said rod, and the thread-guide E and its detachable end 24 on the said carriage,

combined with means, substantially as described, to slide the carriage for the threadcarrier and with means to partially rotate the said rod and with it the said carriage, whereby the thread is correctly presented to the hooks of the needles in the proper succession, substantially as set forth.

12. The rod D*, the thread-guide E, mounted thereon loosely, and the lever D, fast to the said rod, and the arm 23 of said lever adapted to engage the thread-guide, combined with means, substantially as described, to operate the said lever and its arm to move the threadguide in one direction, and with a spring to move the thread-guide in opposition to the movement imparted to it by the arm 23 of the lever D", substantially as described.

13. The table, thread-carrier, hooked needle 01, and operating mechanism therefor, combined with the 1oop-spreader54, provided with a hole to opera te as a cast-off, and a movable frame to carry the said spreader into the loop, and a retaining-spring, into contact with which said spreader is moved, substantially as described.

14. Thehooked needle and operating mechanism therefor, and theloo p-spreader provided with an opening 59 to act as a cast-off, combined with a spring 58 to detain the loop cast'oft' by the needle, substantiallyas described.

15. The thread-carrier, table,-and hooked needle n, operating mechanism therefor, and a loop-spreader, combined with the loop-contractor and movable frame upon which it is mounted, the said contractor having prongs, substantially as described, and embracing the loop drawn down by needle n and before the said loop is cast offthe loop-spreader, as set forth.

16. The thread-carrier, table, and hooked needle 4%, and loop-receiver having curved prongs and shoulders thereon to hold the loop, combined with v the loop-turners and with means, substantially as described, to operate the said needles, loop-receiver, and loop-turners to form the loop and thereafter to raise the loop-receiver and enlarge the loop, substantially as described.

17. The loop-receiver 53 and the lever 60, upon which it is pivoted, combined With means, substantially as described, to operate thesaid loop-receiver, as set forth.

18. The loop-receiver 58, the lever 60, upon which it is pivoted, and operating mechanism therefor, combined with. the fixed loop-detainer 66 to prevent the passage of the loop too far back upon the loop-receiver before the latter is raised to enlarge the loop, substantially as described' 19. The frame, the shaft J G thereon, the loop-turners mounted loosely on the said shaft and free to slide thereon longitudinally, and having cam-slotted hubs a and fixed studs a to enter in the said hubs, combined with means, substantially as described, to rotate the said shaft and loo'p-turners, the hubs of the latter at such time sliding longitudinally on the said shaft, substantially as set forth.

20. The loop-turners, their carrying-shaft, pinion thereon, frame J mounted on shaft J the segmental lever J mounted loosely thereon, and the spring 49 to connect the said lever and frame, combined with a stop 52 for the frame and with means, substantially as described, to positively actuate the said leverto move the frame through the intervention of the spring, and when the, frame is stopped thereafter turn thesaid shaft and the loopturners, substantially as described.

21. In a pamphletstitching machine, a thread-carrier and hooked needle n, the slotted A-shaped table, the pivoted frame J placed under it, the shaft J mounted in the said frame, the loop-turners, and the loopreceiver, and pinion on the said shaft, and the loop-spreader and loop-contractor attached to the said frame, combined with means, substantially as described, to operate the said needle, the frame, and the loop-turners to manipulate the loop drawn down by the needle 91, substantially as set forth.

22. In a pamphlet-stitching machine, the interlacing-hook slotted transversely at one side, as shown, to form a beak, and provided with a clamp 0 having an enlarged head and free to slide in the body of the said hook to clamp the thread directly between itself and the said beak, combined with means, substantially as described, to operate the said clamp, substantially as set forth.-

23. The interlacing-hook provided with the sliding clamp, the pin 7 5, made movable therewith, and means, substantially as described, to reciprocate the said interlacing-hook, combined with the table, and a stop to arrest the movement of the clamp before the body of the interlacing-hook comes to rest to there- "near the said beak at its side, combined with a longitudinally-sliding clamp having an enlarged head to fit in said transverse out and provided with a projection to enter the said groove and form a bridge toprevent the beak catching a loop as the interlacing-hook acts to draw the thread through a loop in itself, substantially as described.

25. The interlacing-hook provided with the sliding clamp, means for operating it and the connected pin 75, and the pivoted plate 80, and] its pivoted spring-controlled catch, combined with means, substantially as described, intermediate said clamp and plate to turn the said plate 011 its pivot to place the catch into and out of the range of the pin, to operate substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

. STERLING ELLIOTT.

Witnesses:

G. W. GREGORY, W. H. SIGSTON. 

